A New England native and loyal East Coaster, trombonist John Wheeler is thrilled to be the newest member invited into The City Boys Allstars.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, John spent his early years working in the Boston area studying with legendary jazz trombonist, Phil Wilson from the age of 14.
He attended the Berklee School of Music in the early 80s where he studied in its first ever Production and Engineering courses. He was surprised to find a passion in the physics of acoustics along with the art of trombone playing there alongside a host of amazing players of that time. On a full performance scholarship, John left his studies multiple times from ’83 – ’88 to tour as the featured soloist with the legendary Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of the great Buddy Morrow. He later toured as lead trombonist with the world renowned Artie Shaw Orchestra with Mr. Shaw himself directing the band at its inception.
In 1989, after a stint in Europe with Jesus Christ Superstar, John found himself leaving Boston for the Big Apple. It was in New York City at this early stage that John designed and built his first of 20 plus recording studios. This initial studio was for celebrated Japanese record producer Atsushi Kosugi. It was then that he teamed up with long-time friend and colleague, trumpeter Anthony Kadleck and formed the East 4th Horns.
Throughout the 90s, John worked on countless projects and record dates and sessions with this very fruitful horn section for some of the world’s top artists and producers. A selection of artists with whom he has appeared, toured and recorded with are: Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra, BeBe Winans, Ben E. King, Bette Midler, Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart, Bobbie Vinton, Connie Francis, Dolly Parton, Don Rickles, Dudley Moore, East 4th Horns, Frank Sinatra Jr., Frankie Valli, George Benson, Glen Campbell, Janet Jackson, Jay Black and the Americans, Jerry Lewis, Joan Rivers, Jody Watley, Joe Piscopo, John Tesh, Johnny Mathis, Joni Mitchell, Julio Englasis, Kansas, Kenny Rogers, Kevin Spacey, Leslie Gore, Lionel Richie, Liza Minnelli, Louie Belson, Luther Vandros, Manhattan Transfer, Marc Cohen, Mariah Carey, Mary Wilson, Mel Torme, Mickey Rooney, Milt Jackson, Makoto Ozone Jazz Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Nuyorican Soul Orchestra, Patti Austin, Phil Wilson Jazz Orchestra, Phil Woods, Regis Philbin, Ricky Martin, Roger Daltrey, Rosemary Clooney, Roy Ayers, Sheena Easton, Slide Hampton, Smokey Robinson, Spinal Tap, Steve & Edie Gormet, Terence Trent D’Arby, The Artie Shaw Orchestra, The Bob Hope Orchestra, The Bucketheads, The Fifth Dimension, The Four Freshman, The Four Tops, The Funk Brothers, The Gypsy Kings, The Impressions, The Irish Tenors, The Letterman, The Moody Blues, The OJs, The Psychic Horns, The Spinners, The Temptations, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Tony Bennett, Toni Braxton, Victor Borge, Wayne Newton, Will Smith, Wynona Judd, Yanni, and Yes.
Film and television credits include Analyze That, Last Days of Disco, Clifford’s Big Adventure, 24 Hour Woman, Bird, and the HBO series OZ.
Along with also performing on Tony Kadleck’s first and latest recordings, John is thrilled at being invited to be a member of Mike Merola’s City Boys Allstars. It is an honor to be inducted into the legacy of world-class musicians who presently and formerly have graced this amazing ensemble.
